Walmart eliminating overnight stocking in Neighborhood Market Stores

Walmart is changing the way it stocks merchandise in its small-format Neighborhood Market Stores.



In a blog on its website, the discounter announced that in more than 430 of its Neighborhood Market stores that are already closed overnight, it is shifting overnight stocking hours to the daytime and using technology to make the inventory management process easier. The retailer said it initially piloted day-stocking in 50 stores in and around the Tampa and Dallas areas with "very encouraging" results.



"Customer service and productivity both improved and associates who’d previously worked the overnight shift told us the liked the ability to move to day shift," wrote Todd Harbaugh, executive VP, Neighborhood Markets – Walmart U.S.



"For our customers, it means a more consistent in-store experience," Harbaugh stated. "We’ll have more people available on the sales floor to provide customer service, answer questions and help make sure products are available."



Walmart said its store managers are taking a "very hands-on approach" to transitioning people from overnight to daytime.



"If someone wants to keep their overnight shift, we will work with nearby supercenters or distribution centers to see if there are options to better fit their schedules," Harbaugh said.